A prolific talent and political maverick, Theodorakis was adulated in his home country for his inspirational music and defiance during the junta that ruled from 1967 to 1974.

But he was perhaps best-known around the world for his film title scores which also included “Z” in 1969 and “Serpico” in 1973.

His work ranged from operas to choral music and popular songs, providing a soundtrack to the life of his country.

Born into a family of Cretan origin on July 29, 1925 on the northern Aegean island of Chios, Theodorakis joined the resistance against the German and Italian occupation of Greece when he was 17, during World War II.

When a dictatorship seized control of the government in a 1967 coup, Theodorakis was among the first leftwing politicians to be arrested.

Pardoned a year later, he was involved in setting up the clandestine Patriotic Front, which led to another detention and a ban on his works.

He was released in 1970 and went to Paris.

Four years later the dictatorship imploded and Theodorakis returned home to a hero’s welcome.